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01.02.13

House GOP Scraps Sandy Relief Bill

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House Republicans on Tuesday nixed a bill that would have given billions in emergency relief to Hurricane Sandy victims, according to New York lawmakers. The bill was pulled by Speaker John Boehner, according to New York Republican Peter King, who called the decision “almost indefensible.” King, a longtime party faithful who chairs the powerful House Homeland Security Committee, threatened to leave the GOP on Wednesday morning. The Senate approved the $60.4 billion measure for Hurricane Sandy relief on Friday. President Obama joined in the chorus calling on the House to vote on the bill, issuing a statement saying, "When tragedy strikes, Americans come together to help those in need. I urge Republicans in the House of Representatives to do the same."